When to Plant Cranberries in Clarke County, IA
Top priorities for Clarke County, Iowa gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Clarke County, Iowa this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
-
Get cranberries in the ground
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Cranberries are low-growing, vine-like shrubs that produce tart red berries in fall. They grow in acidic, boggy conditions and are surprisingly easy to cultivate.
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 1,182 feet, Clarke County receives approximately 35.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Cranberries during the growing season.
Clarke County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Clarke County
How your county's soil matches Cranberries's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.0–6.9) is more alkaline than Cranberries prefers (4.0–5.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clarke County is excellent for Cranberries — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — Cranberries will thrive.
How to Plant Cranberries
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Cranberries
Cranberries needs approximately 1.5 inches of water per week (6.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Cranberries Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 6.5" | 3.5" | 3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 6.5" | 4.5" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 6.5" | 4" | 2.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 6.5" | 3.7" | 2.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 6.5" | 3.9" | 2.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 6.5" | 3.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 6.5" | 3.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clarke County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Cranberries Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Cranberries Planting Timeline — Clarke County, IA
Cranberries Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
· 36" apart · Rows 48" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.5"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
730–1095 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 4–5.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Clarke County
Growing Tips for Cranberries in Clarke County
Direct sow Cranberries outdoors after April 24 in Clarke County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your 170.0-day growing season in Clarke County is tight for Cranberries (730.0-1095.0 days to maturity). Start indoors and choose early-maturing varieties.
General growing tips
Create an acidic, consistently moist bed with peat moss. Cranberries do not need to be flooded to grow; flooding is only used for commercial harvesting. Mulch with sand in early spring.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Cranberries in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Cranberries in Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Cranberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clarke County, IA?
Clarke County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Clarke County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clarke County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.